Drop any such move as code of conduct is in force: EC

Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the reported move of the Centre to increase the cap on subsidised LPG cylinders, ahead of the Gujarat Assembly polls, the Election Commission has directed it to stop any such proposal.

The EC, at its meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath, decided to write to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry drawing its attention to the fact that the Model Code of Conduct is in force in Gujarat.

The first phase of the polls is on December 13 and the second and final phase on December 17.

The EC directed the Ministry that “the move for reported increase in supply of subsidised gas cylinders, if any, must be stopped forthwith, under confirmation to the Commission.”

The EC's direction to the Center to stop any proposal to increase
the cap on subsidised cylinders is a total farce.The reports have appeared in the press.Even a babe in arms knows it is now a given that the cap will be definitely increased once the election is over.What is the sense of now asking the center to stop.The damage has been done.And the EC is powerless to do anything.What action does the EC propose to take now?